The Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions had a wild game that ended in controversy during the 2025 NFL regular season. At the time, both teams were fighting for playoff positioning, with every win carrying massive implications. The Lions ultimately missed the playoffs following the loss to the Steelers. Pittsburgh went on to win the AFC North, but lost in the playoffs during the Wild Card Round to the Houston Texans.
Ryan Sun / Associated Press
Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf walking off the field frustrated during a game against the Detroit Lions in 2025.
The drama was not confined to the field. Right before halftime, Steelers’ high-profile wide receiver DK Metcalf was caught on the broadcast in a heated altercation with a Lions fan, later identified as Ryan Kennedy. The incident sparked outrage, and the NFL punished Metcalf with a two-game suspension at a critical point in Pittsburgh’s season. In addition, he was fined approximately $555,556 in lost salary.
Kennedy responded by filing a $100 million lawsuit against Metcalf, as well as against Shannon Sharpe, Chad Johnson, and several others, alleging defamation. Christian Romo of the Detroit Free Press reported Thursday that police are also investigating the incident and that a warrant request had been submitted. The controversy has left the league and fans reeling, raising questions about on-field behavior, fan interactions, and the legal fallout from high-profile altercations.
"The Detroit Police Department 'has been investigating' the Dec. 21 incident between Michigan resident Ryan Kennedy and Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf at Ford Field, a police spokesperson confirmed to the Free Press on Wednesday, Feb. 4," Romo reported. "The Wayne County Prosecutor's Office also confirmed to the Free Press that Detroit police submitted a warrant request on Jan. 21 that is currently being reviewed. Neither department revealed who the warrant request was for, while the prosecutor says that no one has been charged in relation to the incident."
It is important to note that Romo reported that no one knows exactly who the warrant request was submitted for. Many will speculate, but what is important is finding out what truly happened. Steelers fans and NFL fans alike have been extremely curious about this incident. It was a big deal and almost cost Pittsburgh a playoff spot if things had not gone their way in Week 18 against the Baltimore Ravens.
Brooke Pryor / X
Lions fan Ryan Kennedy hosting a press conference to talk about his incident with DK Metcalf.
Metcalf and this fan reportedly have a history, and no one truly knows what was said or when it was said. After being accused of baiting Metcalf into fighting him during the game, Kennedy reportedly celebrated following the incident.
Some question that behavior and see it as possibly setting up the situation. Either way, Metcalf is an emotional player, but he has always kept his emotions on the field. He has never had an incident like this with a fan, and this situation raises valid questions about what the full story really is.
Steelers' DK Metcalf Getting Sued For $100 Million
The legal battle continues to unfold, with serious allegations being made. Mike Florio revealed more insight into what the lawsuit alleges.
"The statements were false and reckless," the lawsuit alleges. "Plaintiff Kennedy did not call Defendant Metcalf the 'N-word'; did not call Defendant Metcalf's mother a 'c---'; and did not ever use any racial slurs or hate speech whatsoever... Defendant Metcalf provided false information to Defendant Johnson about what Plaintiff Kennedy allegedly said, thereby instigating and authorizing the publication of the defamatory and reckless statements which were intended to harm Plaintiff Kennedy."
The lawsuit underscores the ongoing tension and uncertainty surrounding the incident, leaving fans and the league awaiting answers about what really happened.
CBS Sports
Steelers' DK Metcalf looks on during a nightmare game at Ford Field against the Detroit Lions in the 2025 NFL season.
Kennedy is wanting $100 million in damages and is also calling for Johnson and Sharpe to issue a complete public retraction and correction of the statements he says defamed him.
Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me. I will respond!
#SteelerNation